12 New York Giants Don’t Make Trip to Canton: Twelve injured New York Giants did not make the trip to Canton, Ohio on Saturday to play the Buffalo Bills in Sunday’s Hall of Fame Game. The Giants not traveling with the team include:

Head Coach Tom Coughlin was asked if it was a little disappointing that Beckham has not practiced yet at camp. “It’s more than that,” replied Coughlin. “You’re trying to put a team together. We saw too much of that in the spring. It’d be nice to get him back practicing. He actually looks pretty good moving around, catching the ball, not favoring anything. I’m just hoping it’s a real short amount of time.”

“(The trainers are) not going to let him go if he’s in the danger of hurting himself,” said Coughlin. “That’s all there is to it. I can stand there and fight all I want, but it’s not going to happen. When they feel he can go and not risk any recurring injury, they’ll let him go…I think there has been (some improvement).”

Coughlin on Holliday: “He did something catching a punt. Hopefully, it’s not much.”

Coughlin on Grimble: “Minor hamstring strain a couple of days ago.”

July 27, 2014 Tom Coughlin Press Conference: The transcript and video from Sunday’s press conference with Head Coach Tom Coughlin are available at Giants.com.

July 27, 2014 New York Giants Player Media Q&As: Transcripts and video clips of Sunday’s media Q&A sessions with the following players are available at Giants.com:

With the New York Giants reporting to camp in less than a month, BigBlueInteractive.com is breaking down each of the team’s positional groups from now until July 21. Our first article concentrated on the team’s quarterbacks. Now let’s take a look at the running backs and fullbacks.

2013 YEAR IN REVIEW:Just a year ago, the New York Giants appeared to be “set” at running back with a 1-2 punch of Andre Brown and David Wilson. But the injury-prone Brown broke his leg in the preseason, causing him to miss half the season. He started the final eight games and finished with 139 carries for 492 yards (3.5 yards per carry) and three touchdowns. The Giants showed no interest in re-signing Brown in the offseason and he is now a Houston Texan. 2012 1st round draft pick David Wilson only played in five games before being placed on Injured Reserve with a career-threatening neck injury that required surgery in January. He started four games and finished 2013 with 146 yards on 44 carries (3.3 yards per carry) and one touchdown. He also fumbled the ball away twice. Da’Rel Scott made the team, was cut, then re-signed, and then placed on Injured Reserve with a hamstring injury. Scott played in five games with one start in 2013, finishing the season with 73 yards on 20 carries (3.7 yards per carry). The Giants chose not to bring him back. Michael Cox, the Giants 7th pick in the 2013 Draft, played in 14 games as a rookie with one start. But he only carried the football 22 times for 43 yards (2.0 yards per carry). With injuries to Brown, Wilson, and Scott, ex-Giant Brandon Jacobs and Peyton Hillis were mid-season roster additions. But Jacobs arrived as damaged goods, started only one game, and was placed on Injured Reserve with a knee condition that forced his retirement in January. Hillis ended up playing in seven games with one start. He finished the season with 73 carries for 247 yards (3.4 yards per carry) and two touchdowns.

At fullback, 2013 was a disaster for Henry Hynoski, who missed virtually all of the offseason work with a knee injury (MCL/chip fracture) suffered in an OTA, then fracturing his shoulder and being placed on Injured Reserve in September. John Conner was signed off of the street to replace Hynoski and he performed well as a physical lead blocker in 13 games with seven starts.

Overall, the New York Giants finished 29th in rushing, averaging a paltry 83.2 yards per game and 3.5 yards per rush.

ADDITIONS/SUBTRACTIONS: The Giants had no interest in bringing back Andre Brown and Da’Rel Scott, and Brandon Jacobs has retired. David Wilson, Michael Cox, Peyton Hillis, Henry Hynoski, and John Conner return. Kendall Gaskins, who spent time with the Bills and Titans as a rookie, was signed to the Practice Squad in December and returns in 2014. The Giants made a big push to sign ex-Jaguar and ex-Raider Rashad Jennings to a 4-year, $10 million contract. The team drafted the nation’s #1 rusher Andre Williams in the 4th round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

TRAINING CAMP STORY LINES: The two main story lines are the health status of David Wilson and the Hynoski-Conner competition at fullback. Wilson is scheduled to undergo another exam on his next the day camp starts – July 21st – to determine if he can be cleared for football contact. If cleared, the explosive Wilson needs to prove he can stay healthy, hold onto the football, protect the QB, and become an instinctive play-maker. Many fans and media types believe Hynoski is the front runner for the fullback spot, but John Conner may be the better blocker, receiver, and yes, runner. The other main question is who will be the #2 back off of the bench behind Rashad Jennings. Will it be Wilson, Peyton Hillis, or Andre Williams?

ON THE BUBBLE:It would appear that Rashad Jennings and Andre Williams are locks to make the team. If he is cleared for contact, and barring a complete lack of development, the former #1 pick David Wilson is likely to make the squad. Peyton Hillis, Michael Cox, and Kendall Gaskins are fighting for one, possibly two roster spots. Don’t automatically write any of these guys off. Even Gaskins has caught the attention of the coaches.

FROM THE POSITIONAL COACH: Craig Johnson on Andre Williams: “A big fit (for our scheme). He’s a big, strong physical runner. He led the nation in rushing last year in college football. He is strong, he’s a very explosive runner. I hear that from the defense, they say, ‘Man, that guy has really got it going.’ I’m really excited to see what he’s all about and you can tell, he runs hard.”

Johnson on David Wilson: “He’s got tremendous talent. It’s obvious to see that that. Good hands. I can’t wait to watch him get out there when he gets cleared to show what he can do.”

Johnson on Michael Cox and Kendall Gaskins: “Two guys you probably haven’t heard much about, Michael Cox, a second-year back that was a late draft choice last year, big, strong, physical, can make plays. I’m looking forward to seeing him and Kendall Gaskins, both of them, in pads. They’re young guys, they want to prove it. They’re hungry and they want to go after it. All the backs are pretty good size and pretty physical so I’m excited about the position.”

Eric Kennedy – Rashad Jennings, Peyton Hillis, and Andre Williams make this a very big and physical backfield. Considered somewhat of a journeyman running back, I firmly believe that Jennings will blossom in New York not only as a physical, no-nonsense north-south runner, but an incredibly reliable and consistent receiver out of the backfield. He is a natural receiver. I also think he will become a team leader. Some expect Peyton Hillis to be cut, but I see him becoming a John Kuhn-type receiver/runner/pass protector in Ben McAdoo’s scheme. I could see him becoming the third-down back due to his pass pro and receiving skills. I love Henry Hynoski, but I think John Conner is the better blocker, receiver, and runner.

Connor Hughes – I like Andre Williams and Rashad Jennings, too. I believe both are upgrades over Andre Brown and Brandon Jacobs. With that being said, I truly believe the ‘X’ factor for the Giants in the backfield is David Wilson.

Wilson spent the offseason in the weight room packing on the muscle, is still lightning in the bottle and the only player at the position that has the ability to break off a touchdown on any carry. If he’s healthy, I see him as a player that can run for 1200-1400 yards annually. Last year, Wilson struggled, but as the season went it became more evident that that was more of a result of the team’s porous offensive line than the former first-round pick.

I love Wilson’s attitude, he never doesn’t have a smile on his face and is more motivated than ever to get back on the field. Once he does? Look out.

New York Giants Mini-Camp Ends: The third and final day of the New York Giants mandatory, 3-day mini-camp was held on Thursday. Practice was called after only a few minutes when rain started to fall. Head Coach Tom Coughlin chose not to continue practice within the team’s indoor facility.

The rookies will spend one more day at Quest Diagnostics Center. Players are off until scheduled to report to Quest Diagnostics Center on July 21 for the start of summer training camp.

New York Giants Sign OT DeMarcus Love and DT Everett Dawkins: The Giants have signed street free agents OT DeMarcus Love and DT Everett Dawkins. To make room for these two, the Giants waived OT Steven Baker and DT Eathyn Manumaleuna.

BBI scouting report on OT DeMarcus Love:

The Giants signed DeMarcus Love as a street free agent in June 2014. Love was originally drafted in the 6th round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings waived him in October 2013 and he was then picked up by the Jacksonville Jaguars, who waived him in June 2014. Love has a nice combination of size and athleticism. He needs to play with more nastiness and fire. He also needs to improve his overall technique in order to make it at the NFL level.

BBI scouting report on DT Everett Dawkins:

The Giants signed Everett Dawkins as a street free agent in June 2014. Dawkins was originally drafted in the 7th round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. The Dallas Cowboys signed Dawkins off of the Vikings Practice Squad in November 2013, but waived him three weeks later. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers then signed him to their Practice Squad. The Buccaneers waived Dawkins in June 2014. Dawkins is a 3-technique tackle who lacks ideal size, but he is quick and athletic and can be disruptive. He needs to add size and strength. Dawkins is not overly stout against the run. He needs to play with better leaverage.

June 19, 2014 New York Giants Coach Media Q&As: Transcripts and video of Thursday’s media Q&A sessions with the following coaches are available at Giants.com or BigBlueInteractive.com:

Charles Brown to Visit the New York Giants: According to ESPN, unrestricted free agent offensive tackle Charles Brown (New Orleans Saints) is scheduled to visit the New York Giants.

Brown was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Saints. He has experience playing both right and left tackle. He started 14 games at left tackle for New Orleans until benched late in the season.

Louis Murphy Now Drawing Interest from Bengals: After wrapping a 2-day visit with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, unrestricted free agent wide receiver Louis Murphy (New York Giants) will meet with the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday.

Jon Beason and Henry Hynoski Officially Re-Signed: The New York Giants officially confirmed that unrestricted free agents linebacker Jon Beason and fullback Henry Hynoski have re-signed. Beason reportedly signed a 3-year, $19 million deal with $7 million guaranteed. Hynoski reportedly signed a 1-year, $1 million contract.

“You know how when you pick up a good book and it’s good because they develop a character and there’s always some type of turmoil, something bad happens,” Beason said. “And then the character has to come out and overcome it and then it’s like, ‘Man, that was a really good read.’ For me, I think it just made my career story better, having to overcome some things. You come out, you get drafted high, you start making Pro Bowls and become the highest-paid player, all-pro and all that stuff. That’s a boring book. For me, I feel like it’s prepared me for what’s still to come. If you’re going to lead men, especially at this level, you have to be battle-tested.

“You go through some stuff, you feel like you’re getting dragged through the mud and all of a sudden you just keep fighting, fighting and then you come out clean on the other side. For me, a fresh start was great. But obviously I know who I am and what I’ve already accomplished, so why can’t I continue to do that? I feel like I’m just scratching the surface. I really feel like that. To get a chance to have a great offseason, train and get in good shape to where you can play consistently at a high level is what I’m looking forward to.

“I think what we were able to build last year in a short period of time was scary. I’m a big fan of building camaraderie and sweating with the guys in the offseason, that’s where you build those championships and we missed that – well, I missed that because I came in early in the season. But for me, at this point, I know we have that coming up in April, get out there and earn the right to be a champ. It’s going to be big this year.

“I think when you talk about leadership, obviously your peers pick the captain or the person they choose to lead. There are guys that have done a great job, but the hardest part is being consistent at it. If you’re going to stand up there and say something or you’re going to represent something, or you’re going to be an example of something, I think you have to do it every day. Because as soon as you’re not, as soon as you don’t do it, there’s a chink in your armor and now guys aren’t following you anymore because you’re a façade, you’re not for real.

“Everyone’s going to have to pick up the slack because (Justin) Tuck was such an amazing leader, a guy who demanded respect right when he walked into the room. That’s the way I felt about him from the outside looking in and then obviously getting the chance to get to play with him, that was evident. For me, I just want to continue to try and be consistent. I think when you’re consistent, people follow that.

“I think anytime you get derailed with an injury, it’s not your fault. That wasn’t part of the story, but it happens. Anytime you have a setback, it’s a chance to come back and do something great. For me, you stay who you are and you know when you’re healthy you can be as good as anybody. You go out there, you play well, but that was just scratching the surface. I feel like I can be scary good this year and as a team, especially as a defense, we could be really good.”

Hynoski had an injury-plagued 2013. In May at the team’s first Organized Team Activity (OTA) workout, Hynoski suffered an injury to his medial collateral ligament (MCL) and a chip fracture to the lateral plateau in his left knee that required surgery. He returned in time for the regular-season opener, but suffered a shoulder injury in Week 3 that required surgery and ended his season as he was placed on Injured Reserve.

“I’m finally 100 percent healthy now,” Hynoski said. “I’m ready to go. I’m just extremely anxious to get back on the field. It was a humbling year.”

“The first game (last season) I was really rusty, the second I started getting back and that third game was when I started feeling good again, back to my old self,” Hynoski said. “And then the shoulder happened, unfortunately. But that’s part of the game. It’s the stuff you have to live with. These things happen, it’s just a matter of how you respond to it. I use it as motivation, use it in my workouts, everything, all of that anger and frustration – I used it in rehab and training to get back. I think it’s going to make me a better player because of it.

“It was tough to sit back and watch your team, especially when you know you could help in certain areas. I’m just looking forward. That whole time I was going through all of this, it was just motivation, it just fueled the fire and made me more hungry. I think it’s all going to transfer over to this season and we’ll have a great year ahead of us.”

Hynoski will have to compete for a roster spot with fullback John Conner, who was signed when the Giants lost Hynoski to injury.

“There’s competition all over the NFL,” Hynoski said. “That brings the best out of all of the players. It brings the best out of you when you’re competing against somebody else. I’m just looking forward to working with him and working together and getting better at the same time.”

“This is where I want to be,” Hynoski said. “Don’t get me wrong, Detroit was a great place. I really enjoyed the people I met and the visit out there, but this is home for me. This is where I was comfortable and luckily everything worked out. The Giants had a mutual feeling, the same feeling I had about them. They wanted me back, I wanted to be back here and I’m glad it worked out.

“This is a very special place for me, just the way the fans embraced me. I’m very grateful the coaches, the front office all the way from the ownership down have been 100 percent class, one of the best organizations in the NFL, the best organization in the NFL. I’m just very honored and proud to be part of it again.”

March 14, 2014 New York Giants Free Agent News and Rumors: Here is the latest on the free agent front:

RavensInsider is reporting that unrestricted free agent (UFA) offensive guard/tackle Bruce Campbell, who was waived/injured by the Carolina Panthers in August 2013, visited the Giants on Thursday. Campbell had signed a contract with the Washington Redskins on Wednesday, but failed their physical.

The New York Daily News is reporting that the Giants may be interested in unrestricted free agent defensive end Robert Ayers (Denver Broncos).

The Star-Ledger is reporting that unrestricted free agent cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Denver Broncos) will visit the Giants after visiting the Jets.

UFA tight end Brandon Pettigrew, who the Giants were rumored to be interested in, re-signed with the Detroit Lions.

UFA center Evan Dietrich-Smith (Green Bay Packers), who the Giants were rumored to be interested in, has signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Details on J.D. Walton’s Contract: According to FOXSports.com, the contact signed between the Giants and unrestricted free agent center J.D. Walton (Washington Redskins) was a 2-year, $5 million deal with $3 million in guaranteed money. Contract details for most of the free agents signed are available in the 2014 Free Agency Scorecard section of the website.

Ted Ginn Jr. Signs with the Cardinals: Unrestricted free agent wide receiver/returner Ted Ginn Jr. (Carolina Panthers) has signed with the Arizona Cardinals. The Giants were reported to be interested in Ginn.

New York Giants Re-Sign Jon Beason and Curtis Painter: According to The NFL Network, the New York Giants have re-signed unrestricted free agent linebacker Jon Beason. In addition, the Giants have officially announced they they have re-signed unrestricted free agent quarterback Curtis Painter. Terms for both players are not yet known.

Geoff Schwartz and Rashad Jennings Official – Contract Details: The Giants officially confirmed on Wednesday that they have signed unrestricted free agents offensive guard/tackle Geoff Schwartz (Kansas City Chiefs) and running back Rashad Jennings (Oakland Raiders).

According to the player’s agent, Schwartz’s deal is a 4-year, $16.8 million contract with $6.2 million guaranteed. CSN Bay Area is reporting that Jenning’s contract is a 4-year, $14 million deal with $3 million guaranteed.

“When I was a rookie, I almost didn’t get drafted and I was so excited to maybe become a Giant,” said Schwartz. “Now, it finally happened. It’s one of those franchises where, when they come calling, you can’t really say no. I’m overjoyed. I think when I look back after I kind of get over the initial signing of the contract it’ll be such a pleasure.”

“I’m so excited to be here for so many reasons,” Jennings said. “One, the Giants organization and the history of it. The magnitude of it, the culture, to be a part of that red, white and blue again. It’s funny because I went to Liberty University, those are the same colors I wore. I’m back on the east coast and now I can talk on the phone with people and not feel awkward because of the three-hour time difference, it will kick you in the butt sometimes. I’m closer to home, closer to family, I’m with the team that wanted me.”

Schwartz has the ability to play at tackle and guard.

“I’m best at guard,” Schwartz said. “I’ve played right guard lots in my career and I know that (Chris) Snee is still here, so I will be starting at left guard. I just feel more comfortable there. But I’ve played tackle, I started 11 games at tackle and played lots of other games at tackle, so I can do a lot of it. It’s just nice to be able to come into a place where they want you in a position and you can kind of go from there.”

“I think part of the fun of coming into work every day is that kind of interaction between offensive linemen,” said Schwartz. “Wherever you go you want to have that bond and building that bond is through kind of joking and mocking, but also hard work and some of the other thing that O-linemen are known for. I’m excited to meet everybody and kind of get going when April comes around. I think I do a good job of integrating well in the locker room. I do a good job of trying to learn the system. It’s tough every year to do that. Now hopefully I’ve found a home and I’ll be here for many years and kind of integrate into the system.”

“I have the same attitude every year since college,” Jennings said. “Go in, earn the respect of my teammates and my coaches, lock down the playbook and go show my worth and earn a starting position. That’s my mentality every year and I look forward to being used however they see my talents fitting here. I did an interview a couple weeks ago and they said, ‘What’s your idea of going through free agency?’ I said, ‘It’s my job to show one team that they’re right.’ I’m glad to show the Giants that they’re right.”

“I always tell people there are not too many ways you can run power, there are no too many ways you can run inside/outside zone,” Jennings said. “It’s just the terminology you’ve got to pick up, understand the flow, the chemistry of the system. That does take some time and that’s why we have OTAs. I am looking forward to it. But as far as going from playbook to playbook, it doesn’t phase you. You become a student of the game.”

Peyton Hillis and Trumaine McBride Official: The New York Giants officially confirmed on Wednesday that they have re-signed unrestricted free agents running back Peyton Hillis and cornerback Trumaine McBride.

O’Brien Schofield Deal Not Finalized: The Giants have not officially sign unrestricted free agent linebacker O’Brien Schofield because Schofield did not pass the team’s physical on Wednesday. The Giants are concerned about one of his knees and thus there is no deal. The New York Daily News and ESPN are reporting that the deal may not be ultimately dead, but the previous terms (2-year, $8 million contract) may have to be renegotiated. NJ.com is reporting that a source says the deal is dead.

March 12, 2014 New York Giants Free Agent News and Rumors: Here is the latest on the free agent front:

DT Linval Joseph on what the New York Giants offered before he signed a 5-year, $31.5 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings: “I know it was nowhere near the Vikings number, I can say that.”

ESPN is reporting that unrestricted free agents (UFAs) defensive end Just Tuck (New York Giants) and cornerback Terrell Thomas (New York Giants) are visiting the Oakland Raiders today. SFGate.com is reporting that RB Andre Brown (New York Giants) is also visiting the Oakland Raiders today.

According to the Lions, UFA Henry Hynoski (New York Giants) will visit the Detroit Lions on Thursday.

The NFL Network is reporting that UFA Tracy Porter (Oakland Raiders) arrived in New York on Tuesday to visit the Giants. He left today without a contract.

ESPN is reporting that UFA offensive guard Shelley Smith (St. Louis Rams) is visited the Giants on Wednesday. He is now on his way to visit with the New England Patriots.

The NFL Network is reporting that the Giants called the Tampa Bay Buccaneers inquiring about cornerback Darrelle Revis before he was cut by Tampa Bay Wednesday afternoon.

UFA wide receiver/returner Jacoby Jones, who visited the Giants on Wednesday, has re-signed with the Baltimore Ravens (4-year contract).

UFA cornerback Corey Graham (Baltimore Ravens), who the Giants had expressed some interest in, has signed a 4-year deal with the Buffalo Bills.

Giants.com Inside the Film Room: Video breakdowns of the following Giants players are available at Giants.com:

The Star-Ledger is reporting that the Giants are one of seven teams to express interest in unrestricted free agent tight end Andrew Quarless (Green Bay Packers).

The New York Daily News is reporting that the Giants have expressed interest in unrestricted free agent tight ends Brandon Pettigrew (Detroit Lions) and Ed Dickson (Baltimore Ravens).

The New York Daily News is reporting that the Giants have expressed interest in unrestricted free agent centers Evan Dietrich-Smith (Green Bay Packers) and Brian de la Puente (New Orleans Saints). The paper says the interest in Dietrich-Smith is “serious.”

The New York Daily News is reporting that unrestricted free agent linebacker Jon Beason (New York Giants) is likely to test the free agent market on Tuesday rather than re-sign with the Giants before then.

Newsday is reporting that no deal is imminent between the Giants and unrestricted free agent safety Stevie Brown, who is expected now to test the open market.

According to press reports, unrestricted free agent cornerback Alterraun Verner (Tennessee Titans) appears to have already determine what team he will sign with on Tuesday as he has no visits planned. The Giants are known to be one of the teams who have expressed an interest in his services. However, NJ.com is reporting that Verner’s asking price has gotten too high for the Giants.

NFL teams have been allowed to talk contract with the agents of unrestricted free agents since Saturday. These players can officially sign contracts with new teams starting at 4:00PM ET on Tuesday.

New York Giants Close to Re-Signing Josh Brown and Trumaine McBride:The Star-Ledger is reporting that the Giants are close to re-signing unrestricted free agent place kicker Josh Brown (New York Giants).

The Bergen Record is reporting that the Giants are close to a new 2-year deal with unrestricted free agent cornerback Trumaine McBride (New York Giants).

Details on Contract for Mark Herzlich: According to NFL Players Association records, linebacker Mark Herzlich’s contract is a 1-year deal with a $775,000 base salary. The Daily News is reporting that the contract also includes a $225,000 in roster and workout bonuses.

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